Greetings from chairperson of BRA in Japan

Prof. Toshiyuki Tanaka Department of Applied Physics and Physico-Informatics Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Japan

It is a great pleasure to held the 14th International Biophilia Rehabilitation Conference (14th IBRC) in Ustron, Poland, on October 6-7, 2017.

I am Toshiyuki Tanaka, chairperson of Biophilia Rehabilitation Academy in Japan. I am part of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Keio University, which is a long-established private institution founded in Japan in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa. Keio University is well known to researchers worldwide for the students and professors who produce high-quality research. My research field is pattern measurement, including medical image processing and computer-aided diagnosis. In recent years, hospitals have seen increases in the number of patients, in step with the aging of the population. Following advances in medical devices using techniques such as fMRI, fNIRS, and X-ray CT to support the work of doctors, the precision of diagnosis has risen markedly. However, it seems that the burdens on doctors have not lessened. To reduce these burdens, we are developing a diagnosis support system using medical image processing. We have promoted the construction of new rehabilitation system that one physical therapist treats several patients with easy devices, which was called “Takizawa method”.

The international Biophilia Rehabilitation Academy (IBRA), which is a sisterhood institute of BRA in Japan, has worldwide revolved the promotion of new rehabilitation system. In consequence, IBRA has achieved a harmonious relationship with Poland, Italy, Romania and so on. In this year, we have an international conference in cooperation with the Health Resort, where is in a wonderful atmosphere of Ustron. We appreciate the chair of organized committee in Ustron.

The BRA in Japan shall be glad to serve IBRC 2017 in any way in our power. Through a workshop and research exchange, we hope that the 14th IBRC will provide the opportunity to introduce important innovations in the field of the rehabilitation.